California, Nevada Leagues Name Joe Schroeder an Unsung Hero

California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues EVP/COO Lucy Ito presents Ventura County CU President/ CEO Joe Schroeder with the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his long-time work in the credit union industry and in the community.

The award honors deserving individuals within the credit union industry with at least 20 years of service who also have made significant contributions in the community.

Schroeder was selected by the 2012 League Awards Committee for his two-plus decades of credit union leadership experience, including serving as president/CEO at three of Southern California’s largest credit unions. He has served on the board of CO-OP Financial Services and the audit committee of Financial Service Centers Cooperative (now part of CO-OP Shared Branching).

Schroeder—who the leagues said is respected in the industry as an operational and marketing expert—was a founding member of the Marketing Association of California (now Marketing Association of Credit Unions), and served as president.

He is currently a member of the leagues’ Government Affairs Committee and has served on CUNA’s Consumer Protection Sub-Committee. He was recently added to the board of Member Business Lending, a CUSO out of Salt Lake City. He is also vice chair of FOODShare, Ventura County’s local food bank.

In addition, he was an early supporter of the World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network, which connects credit union women and leaders from around the world and engages them in professional and personal development.

“It has been wonderful to be a part of the credit union movement through the years. I’m thankful for the opportunities I have had at great credit unions, with supportive staff and boards over the years, along with the opportunity to serve on various boards and committees within the credit union industry. I look forward to many more years of service in the industry,” Schroeder said.

The Unsung Hero Award, established by the leagues’ Historical Preservation Committee, is now coordinated by the leagues’ Awards Committee. Individuals, chapters and other affiliates, both in California and Nevada, are encouraged to nominate deserving recipients.